What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) are professional citizen volunteers willing to assist communities during public health emergencies, such as pandemic illness, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism. These volunteers are part of a group of valued potential responders who have been identified, credentialed, and trained in advance. MRC volunteers may also participate in local citizen preparedness campaigns, immunization clinics, special events, and health education.

What do CNYMRC volunteers do?
It depends on the nature of the emergency and the ongoing need for community health outreach, education, and support. What we do know is that major emergencies can overwhelm the capabilities of our first responders, especially during the first 12 to 72 hours. Medical and other health volunteers can provide an important “surge” capacity during that critical period. They can augment medical staff at local medical and emergency facilities, including alternate care and special needs shelters. In short, communities often need medically trained and certified individuals to fill the gaps in emergency response capacity when life-saving skills are so greatly needed. CNYMRC volunteers are also asked to help in other public health activities such as flu vaccination clinics, preparedness awareness campaigns, and health fairs.

And other community members who want to assist in supportive roles such as:
• Office Workers
• Interpreters/Communications
• Clergy
• Social Workers
• Materials Management

Every effort will be made to match a volunteer’s emergency role with professional skills, licensure, and interests.

Why should you become a member of the CNYMRC?
You have the opportunity to: • Contribute your skills, experience and services to enhance emergency response services in your community • Receive free training and education • Participate in public health functions and practice events throughout the year • Meet and work with peers in critical settings, • Become part of a state-wide and national network of citizen volunteers

Are volunteers covered against personal liability and malpractice?
Most counties indemnify CNYMRC volunteers against personal liability, except for activities outside the scope of their volunteer responsibilities. Medical professionals are encouraged to maintain their own malpractice coverage. Volunteers may be covered by their County under Workers’ Compensation for work-related injuries. Each county has its own policies for personal liability, malpractice and Workers’ Compensation.